Marketing at Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Oklahoma State's marketing graduates start earning slightly below the national median at $44,366, but their trajectory tells a more promising story. Within four years, earnings jump 28% to $56,827—outpacing most Oklahoma marketing programs and approaching University of Oklahoma's results despite OSU's broader accessibility (71% admission rate versus OU's more selective profile). Among Oklahoma's 14 marketing programs, this one ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, meaningfully above the state median of $41,018.
The debt picture strengthens the value case. At $22,250, graduates carry less debt than both national and state medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50—half their first-year salary. This manageable burden becomes even more favorable as earnings climb through the mid-$50,000s by year four. For families weighing in-state options, OSU delivers middle-tier starting salaries but top-tier debt levels, a combination that creates financial breathing room early in graduates' careers.
The takeaway: This is a solid choice for Oklahoma families seeking affordable marketing credentials with clear income progression. You're not paying for OU's premium outcomes, but you're also not shouldering premium debt, and the four-year earnings trajectory suggests graduates develop marketable skills that translate into raises and promotions.
Where Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Oklahoma State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus graduates earn $44k, placing them in the 48th percentile of all marketing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (14 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | $44,366 | $56,827 | $22,250 | 0.50 |
| University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $57,331 | $76,370 | $21,500 | 0.38 |
| Oral Roberts University | $41,590 | — | $22,000 | 0.53 |
| Oklahoma Christian University | $40,447 | — | $21,500 | 0.53 |
| Northeastern State University | $39,360 | $40,972 | $18,371 | 0.47 |
| University of Central Oklahoma | $38,628 | $49,915 | $22,350 | 0.58 |
| National Median | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Other Marketing Programs in Oklahoma
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Oklahoma schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman | $9,595 | $57,331 | $21,500 |
| Oral Roberts University Tulsa | $34,100 | $41,590 | $22,000 |
| Oklahoma Christian University Edmond | $25,900 | $40,447 | $21,500 |
| Northeastern State University Tahlequah | $7,513 | $39,360 | $18,371 |
| University of Central Oklahoma Edmond | $8,522 | $38,628 | $22,350 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Oklahoma State University-Main Campus, approximately 26% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 290 graduates with reported earnings and 286 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.